ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

Publication 908 June 2003

1 INTRODUCTION Victorian River Health Strategy2 as one of two rivers in the State of particularly high cultural, economic This publication provides an overview of the and ecological importance at both the regional and environmental condition of rivers and streams in the state-wide levels. Ovens catchment prior to the bushfires in the In the mountainous upper reaches, the summer of 2003. It covers the catchments of the and its tributaries flow through state or national King and Ovens rivers as well as Black Dog and forests and reserves. The lower foothills and plains, Indigo creeks (Figure 1). however, have been heavily cleared for grazing, The Ovens River is considered to be one of the more crops, and pine plantations. In addition to livestock important tributaries of the Murray-Darling Basin, and softwood timber production, the Ovens Valley is both for the volume and quality of its waters, and its a major producer of tobacco, hops and wine grapes. good ecological condition. It is one of the least All these land uses have contributed to an increase regulated rivers in the Murray-Darling system, in sediment and nutrient loads to the Ovens River, contributing around 14 per cent to the average total particularly in its lower reaches.1 This trend has flows of the , despite its relatively small raised concerns about the river system’s long-term size (0.75 per cent of the total Murray-Darling health and its contribution to algal blooms in Lake Basin)1. Only two small water storage Mulwala and the Murray River. impoundments occur in the catchment, one on the The Ovens Basin Water Quality Strategy1, developed (Lake Buffalo) and one on the King in 2000 in response to these concerns, outlines the River (Lake William Hovell). In recognition of its high key issues affecting water quality in the Ovens Basin environmental value, and in particular its and presents management directions for improving importance as habitat for native fish, the lower the waters of the Ovens River and its tributaries. reaches of the Ovens River have been designated a Heritage River, giving it special protection status. As this overview and the detailed study3 that The Ovens River as a whole is also identified in the accompanies it was undertaken prior to the

2 Healthy Rivers, Healthy Communities & Regional Growth: Victorian River Health Strategy, Department of Natural

1 Ovens Basin Water Quality Strategy: An action plan within Resources and Environment, 2002. the North East Regional Catchment Strategy, Department 3 EPA , Environmental Condition of the Rivers and of Natural Resources and Environment, 2000. Streams in the Ovens Catchment, Publication 909, 2003. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

bushfires in the summer of 2003, it may assist indicators of overall environmental condition, and management plans and monitoring programs in the also incorporates water and habitat quality catchment for both the strategy1 and Bushfire assessments. As far as the data allows it relates Recovery programs. observed environmental quality with broad scale catchment issues rather than assessing specific Scope point source impacts. The assessment is based on biological indicators, which are considered to be the best available

Figure 1: Biological regions in the Ovens catchment

EPA Victoria 2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

2 ASSESSMENT METHODS Index of Stream Condition (ISC), are used to evaluate this component of river health.

Indicators of Condition Descriptions of all these indices can be found in the detailed study.3 Ecosystems are affected by many factors not detected by spot sampling programs, for example, Environmental quality objectives fluctuations in water quality, changed flow regimes and deterioration in habitat. Biological indicators, Through State environment protection policies such as aquatic macroinvertebrates, respond to all (SEPPs), EPA sets environmental quality objectives these stresses and provide a direct measure of in order to maintain healthy ecosystems and bring overall ecological health. about improvements in degraded water bodies.

The study examined several macroinvertebrate The surface waters of the Ovens catchment are indicators as measures of biological condition, and covered by the SEPP Waters of Victoria (SEPP WoV)4. used habitat health indices and physical and The biological objectives in SEPP WoV have been chemical water quality measurements to aid in the used to assess the condition of rivers and streams in interpretation of these results. the Ovens catchment4,5. Because the nutrient and The biological indices used in the assessment are: other water quality data used in this study only AUSRIVAS, Key Families, SIGNAL, Number of represent a snapshot of the local water quality Families and EPT Index. conditions at the time of biological sampling, they are not assessed against the SEPP WoV nutrient4,6 The key physical and chemical water quality and water quality objectives4,7. Where snapshot indicators considered are nutrients (total water quality parameters exceed SEPP levels, these phosphorus and nitrogen), turbidity, and salinity. are discussed in terms of their potential contribution Even with good water quality and adequate flows, a to the overall health of a site. healthy aquatic ecosystem cannot be supported if A fundamental feature of the biological objectives is suitable habitat is not present. A healthy streamside that they are based on biological regions.5 All five (riparian) zone plays an important role in stabilising biological regions are represented in the Ovens stream banks and reducing the flow of nutrients and fine sediment to waterways. Streamside vegetation 4 EPA Victoria, State environment protection policy (Waters also lowers the water table and provides a source of of Victoria), Government Gazette No. S 107, 2003. food and habitat for stream biota. 5 EPA Victoria, Biological Objectives for Rivers and Streams Two measures that provide semi-quantitative – Ecosystem Protection, Publication 793.1, 2003. assessments of habitat condition, the USEPA 6 EPA Victoria, Nutrient Objectives for Rivers and Streams – (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Ecosystem Protection, Publication 791.1, 2003. Rapid Habitat Assessment (RHA) Protocol and the 7 EPA Victoria, Water Quality Objectives for Rivers and Streams – Ecosystem Protection, Publication 792.1, 2003.

Information Bulletin 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

catchment: Highlands, Forests A, Forests B, Cleared full assessment of this site. Nonetheless, the Hills and Coastal Plains, and Murray and Western snapshot water quality data and the habitat scores Plains (Figure 1). These regions are further described suggest that the site can support a healthy in the detailed study.3 biological community.

Data sources Forests B (Uplands)

Data was obtained from biological monitoring and This region includes the upper reaches of the Ovens water quality snapshots undertaken by EPA between and King rivers and their tributaries, the Buffalo 1998 and 2002. Some of this data was collected River and its tributaries, and the upper reaches of under the National River Health Program (NRHP) and Reedy, Indigo, Black Dog and Fifteen Mile creeks. the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s Sustainable Most of the upland areas of these waterways are Rivers Audit Pilot. Another primary source of forested. However, extensive clearing has occurred information is the Index of Stream Condition (ISC) in the lower foothills, especially in the upper assessment (http://www.vicwaterdata.net/). reaches of Reedy, Indigo and Black Dog creeks and parts of the . The two medium sized regional towns of Bright and are located 3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION in the lower foothills. Seventy-three sites in the Ovens catchment have All the sites in the upper reaches of the King and been assessed. The results are presented in Figure 2 Buffalo rivers were in very good to excellent and Table 1. Sites were assigned to the biological condition based on the biological indices, the regions5 and assessed against the biological snapshot water quality data and the habitat objectives specific to the region in which they occur. assessments. A small number of sites showed slight None of the assessed sites was located in the levels of impairment. At at Forests A biological region. Cobbler’s Lake Road (CDU), a below reference AUSRIVAS score for the edge habitat was atypical of Highlands these forested headwater reaches. A closer A very small portion of the Ovens catchment examination of the available edge habitat and the corresponds to the Highlands biological region, macroinvertebrates present at the site may help most of which falls within the Alpine and Mt Buffalo establish the reasons for this unusual score. National Parks. Two highland sites were assessed, Further downstream, King River at Gentle Annie both of them on the Buffalo Plateau. Crystal Brook Lane (CDG) and Edi Cutting (CCL) and Black Range at Mt Buffalo (CCB) was in excellent condition, Creek at Carboor Road (CDY) did not meet the having met all the SEPP biological objectives. AUSRIVAS objective for one of the two habitats. A Running Jump Creek Tributary upstream of Tatra fourth site, Black Range Creek at Pigram’s Farm (CBY) met all the edge habitat objectives, but the (CDZ) received an above reference AUSRIVAS edge absence of riffle data from one season precludes a

EPA Victoria 4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

rating, a score that is often indicative of nutrient snapshot water quality parameters, in addition to enrichment. While the snapshot water quality data poor ISC and marginal RHA scores, suggest that this did not show elevated nutrient levels at CDZ, high site is actively degrading. A more detailed phosphorous levels at CDY suggest that water investigation is warranted at this site, as well as quality may be an issue in Black Range Creek. mitigative measures to avoid further degradation. Extensive clearing for grazing and cropping in the Interestingly, in 1998 when most of these upper area surrounding these sites may be contributing to Ovens River tributaries were sampled, flow levels reduced biological health, despite the presence of were unusually low. While it is unclear how drought good local habitat at most of these sites. conditions affect macroinvertebrate communities, it Most of the sites on the upper Ovens River also is likely that loss of available habitat due to appeared to support a healthy macroinvertebrate reductions in flow contribute to loss of community. A few sites showed some level of macroinvertebrate families. Small sub-catchments impairment, scoring below the SEPP objectives for are also particularly susceptible to impacts from one or more of the biological indices. Increased surrounding land uses. As a result, even small pressure from land clearing for agricultural purposes changes in flow levels may be particularly damaging and recent population growth in the area may be to these waterways. contributing to riparian zone degradation, poor bank Ovens River upstream of Myrtleford (CAB) was in stability, increased run-off and a subsequent excellent biological condition, but impacts were reduction in adequate stream habitat. For example, detected at sites further downstream. Both the extreme bank erosion at Ovens River at McMahons Ovens River downstream of Buffalo Creek at Lane (CAF), a factor which contributed to its low RHA Myrtleford (CBA) and Buffalo River at Merriang Road score, has led to increased sedimentation and a (CAA) did not meet the SIGNAL or AUSRIVAS loss of macroinvertebrate families, especially objectives for one of the two habitats. Increased run- sensitive groups. off from impermeable surfaces, septic tanks, Many of the tributaries to the upper Ovens River stormwater, and other discharges associated with were in poor ecological condition. Roberts Creek at urbanisation around Myrtleford could all be Roberts Creek Road (CCR), Buckland River at Mt contributing to a reduced macroinvertebrate Buffalo Road (CCQ), and Barwidgee Creek at community. Run-off from intensive agricultural Myrtleford (CCN) and Myrtleford Road (CCD) all development in the Myrtleford area, particularly failed to meet the SEPP objectives for two or more of tobacco farming, could also be playing a part in the the biological indices. Low RHA and marginal ISC reduced biological health of these sites. Some of scores at most sites suggest that poor habitat is these impacts may be influencing sites further contributing to reduced riverine health in these sub- downstream, such as Ovens River at catchments. Happy Valley Creek at Mudgeegonga South – Road (CBJ) where a low riffle Road (CCO) met all the biological objectives except SIGNAL score indicates loss of pollution sensitive SIGNAL. However, very high levels for all the

Information Bulletin 5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

families, despite good local habitat and snapshot catchment are heavily grazed, and widespread stock water quality conditions. access to the waterway is a major source of nutrient enrichment, bank erosion and sedimentation. In Three sites in the region suggest that addition, water extraction by farms all along the the ecological health of the waterways in this area is creek is likely to be reducing the availability of water poor. Spring Creek at Beechworth (CDB) and Reedy for environmental flows, further impacting the biotic Creek at Wooragee (CCE) scored below the SEPP community. objectives for AUSRIVAS, SIGNAL and EPT for one or both habitats. Low RHA scores suggest that these Cleared Hills and Coastal Plains (Midlands) sites cannot support a healthy macroinvertebrate This region includes the lower reaches of the King community. Elevated nutrient levels on sampling River, the mid-reaches of Fifteen Mile Creek and the days at both sites, as well as high turbidity and Ovens River (upstream of ), and salinity at CCE suggest that poor water quality may Hodgsons Creek. The primary land use in this area is also be contributing to reduced biological condition. dryland pasture. Indigo Creek at Pooleys Road (CCZ) was only Fifteen Mile Creek at Glenrowan-Milawa Road (CDC) sampled in one season, and therefore results reflected the poor ecological condition of upstream should be interpreted with caution. However, an sites. The SIGNAL and Number of Families scores did above reference AUSRIVAS rating, as well as high not meet the SEPP objectives, and high nutrient and nitrogen and salinity levels at the time of sampling, turbidity levels from the snapshot water quality data suggest this site is impacted. Further investigation is suggest that poor water quality is a cause of needed to clarify the ecological condition of Indigo degraded biological conditions. As with the Creek. upstream reaches of Fifteen Mile Creek, extensive As with the tributaries of the upper Ovens River, stock access and water extractions are likely factors these small sub-catchments are particularly contributing to the degraded environmental quality susceptible to the pressures created by extensive at this site. clearing for grazing and cropping. King River at Docker (CBH) did not share the healthy Fifteen Mile Creek at Fairfield Park (CDD) and Greta conditions evident in the upper King River. Poor South (CBF) did not meet the SEPP objectives for two habitat, including unstable banks and moderate of the biological indices. Marginal RHA and ISC erosion, appears to be reducing the diversity of scores at both sites indicate that poor habitat macroinvertebrates as reflected by low AUSRIVAS conditions are impacting the macroinvertebrate and Number of Families ratings and a marginal RHA community. Elevated levels of phosphorous at CDD score. These conditions are not symptomatic of the and turbidity at CBF at the time of sampling suggest whole area. Downstream of Docker, King River at that reduced water quality may also be contributing Oxley (CCJ) displayed a healthy habitat that to degraded ecological conditions at these sites. supports a diverse macroinvertebrate community. These reaches of the Fifteen Mile Creek sub- These results underscore the importance of local

EPA Victoria 6 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

streamside zone conditions to the biological health of a river.

Sites along the middle reaches of the Ovens River also showed varied results. Low ISC scores but good to excellent RHA scores at Ovens River at Oxley Flats (CDO) and near Everton (CDP) suggest that extensive clearing for grazing and cropping in the surrounding catchment, rather than modifications to the immediate riparian zone and in-stream habitat, can also lead to a loss of macroinvertebrate families. These impacts were not detected at Ovens River at River Road Reserve (CDS), which was found to be in excellent biological health.

Tributaries to the Ovens and King rivers in this region appear moderately degraded, although conditions at some of these sites should be interpreted with caution as the data is from a single season only. Below objective SIGNAL scores were found at Hodgsons Creek at Farmers Road (CAJ), Burgoigee Creek at Ovens Valley Highway (CAI) and Boggy Creek at Top Plain Road (CCK). These results were indicative of mild pollution, even though high phosphorous and salinity levels were only detected in the snapshot water quality samples at CAI. Marginal to poor RHA scores at all of the sites suggest that poor habitat may also be contributing to the loss of macroinvertebrate families. As with tributaries to the upper Ovens River, the small size of these waterways may make them particularly susceptible to impacts from surrounding land uses. For example, severe bank erosion at Boggy Creek (CCK) is a likely cause of the higher than usual turbidity levels at the time of sampling and may be eliminating many of the less tolerant macroinvertebrate families.

Information Bulletin 7 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

Figure 2: AUSRIVAS and SIGNAL ratings for sites in the Ovens catchment

EPA Victoria Information Bulletin 8 9 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

Murray and Western Plains (Lowlands) Also downstream of Wangaratta, Fifteen Mile Creek at Ussher’s Drive (CDA) scored below the SEPP This region encompasses the lower reaches of the objectives for AUSRIVAS and Number of Families. At Ovens River, from just upstream of its junction with this site high nutrient levels at the time of sampling the King River to where it flows into the Murray suggest that water quality degradation is contributing River, and includes the Heritage section of the to the loss of macroinvertebrate families. By contrast, Ovens River. It also takes in the lower reaches of Fifteen Mile Creek at Cruse Street (CBR) appeared to Fifteen Mile, Reedy, Black Dog and Indigo creeks. be in reasonable condition, despite its location on The lowland reaches of the Ovens catchment are the outskirts of Wangaratta. Both AUSRIVAS and dominated by broad acre cropping and dryland SIGNAL scores were above the SEPP objectives, but pasture. The town of Wangaratta straddles the the Number of Families index scored below the Ovens River between its junction with the King River objective. Good in-stream habitat is apparent at the and Fifteen Mile Creek. site. Very poor snapshot water quality results, The most impacted segment of the Ovens River however, suggest that upstream impacts within the occurs just downstream of Wangaratta. Ovens River Fifteen Mile Creek sub-catchment are affecting the at Warby Ranges Road (CED), at Ovens Track (CCI) site’s overall biological condition. and at Boland Road (CDE) all failed to meet any of Six sites were assessed within the Heritage listed the SEPP objectives for SIGNAL, AUSRIVAS and reaches of the Ovens River: Ovens River at Number of Families. It seems likely that increased Cinnamonds (CDF), at Peechelba (CBB), at Carmody run-off and associated contaminants from Road (CEC), at Robinson Road (CBV), at Talbot Bend impermeable surfaces in the area around (CDI) and at Wallis’ property (CDH). Despite excellent Wangaratta, discharges from the Wangaratta habitat conditions in this area and generally sewage treatment plant, trade waste effluents, the reasonable water quality, these sites all scored below spread of exotic vegetation, water extractions, and the SEPP objective for AUSRIVAS, and all but CDF heavy grazing in the outskirts of Wangaratta are all failed to meet the Number of Families objective. contributing to reduced macroinvertebrate diversity The lower sections of the Ovens River are and a shift towards pollution-tolerant groups. characterised by a deeply incised channel with steep Interestingly however, the biological indicator banks, a gravel bottom, and a wide floodplain. In results from these sites are not corroborated by the contrast to many of the lowland rivers in Western habitat assessments and snapshot water quality Victoria, edge habitats that typically support a measurements. No water quality issues were diverse macroinvertebrate community, such as identified during sampling and the habitat shallow backwaters, macrophytes, trailing bank assessments indicate very good habitat condition. vegetation and undercut banks, are absent in this Further investigation is needed to clarify the cause section of the Ovens River and other lowland of biotic community degradation in this part of the tributaries to the Murray River. The lower than Ovens River. expected biological ratings for these sites may be

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more indicative of the uniqueness of these habitats than poor ecosystem health. Further refinement of the AUSRIVAS models for lowland rivers may better characterise these sites.

The biological condition of the lower reaches of Black Dog and Indigo creeks indicate mild impairment. Black Dog Creek at Dugays Bridge Road (CCG), and at Rutherglen – Springhurst Road (CCF) and Indigo Creek at (CBW) all scored below SEPP objectives for either SIGNAL or AUSRIVAS. Poor to marginal habitat quality ratings at most of these sites suggest that these waterways may not be capable of supporting a healthy macroinvertebrate community in their present condition. Also of concern are the very high nutrient levels detected in the snapshot water quality measurements. Closer examination of these sites should help identify the sources of degradation.

Information Bulletin 11 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

Table 1: Results for the SEPP biological objectives, ISC, and RHA for sites in the Ovens catchment

Key Families Site Code AUSRIVAS Combined Number of ISC ISC RHA Total N Total P Turbidity EC25 Site O/E score (Band) Habitats SIGNAL Families EPT Taxa Reach Score Score (µg/L) (µg/L) (NTU) (µS/cm) Edge Riffle Edge Riffle Edge Riffle Edge Riffle Highlands Running Jump Ck Tributary, u/s Tatra CBY No AUSRIVAS Model 172 6.3 6.52 23 172 7 62 N/E N/E 165 123 11 1.2 10 Crystal Brook at Mt Buffalo CCB No AUSRIVAS Model 21 6.9 6.9 21 24 8 10 N/E N/E 164 77 10 0.5 10 Forests B Buffalo R at Merriang Rd CAA 0.84 (B) 0.80 (B) N/R 5.7 6.0 32 25 10 11 33 32* 148 229 13 1.0 40 Ovens R, u/s Myrtleford CAB 0.93 (A) 0.89 (A) N/R 6.2 6.7 34 28 12 14 5 33 125 144 12 0.7 38 Ovens R, d/s Fish Farm CAD 1.04 (A) 0.97 (A) N/R 6.2 6.5 32 32 14 15 6 37 148 77 18 1.0 37 Ovens R, d/s Smoko CAE 0.93 (A) N/A N/R 5.6 N/A 37 N/A 11 N/A 6 37 128 70 16 1.1 35 Ovens R at McMahons Ln CAF 1.08 (A) 0.78 (B) N/R 6.0 5.9 35 25 15 11 6 37 99 83 31 1.9 36 Ovens R at Old Harrietville Rd CAG 0.95 (A) 0.98 (A) N/R 5.7 6.2 30 32 10 14 6 37 133 46 14 1.2 38 Buffalo Ck at Buffalo Ck Rd CAH 1.01 (A) 1.03 (A) N/R 6.1 6.7 33 37 12 17 42 35* 140 115 9 0.8 16 Ovens R, d/s Buffalo Ck at Myrtleford CBA 0.84 (B) 0.96 (A) N/R 5.6 6.4 30 26 11 12 5 33 102 122 7 1.9 36 Ovens R at Bright CBC 0.93 (A) 1.04 (A) N/R 6.2 6.1 31 35 12 15 6 37 134 79 13 1.4 41 Fifteen Mile Ck at Greta Sth CBF 0.82 (B) 0.75 (B) N/R 5.8 6.0 31 31 8 11 9 27* 99 178 18 5.2 55 Rose R at Metong North CBG 0.93 (A) 0.93 (A) N/R 6.0 6.9 34 32 12 16 37 36* 157 104 9 1.8 33 Ovens R at Whorouly Sth - Gapsted Rd bridge CBJ 0.83 (B) 0.97 (A) N/R 5.8 5.8 25 30 9 11 4 27* 128 216 17 1.1 43 Ovens R at Harrietville CBK 0.99 (A) 0.98 (A) N/R 6.6 6.7 33 36 16 17 N/E N/E 151 66 12 0.7 49 King R, u/s Lake William Hovell CBL 0.99 (A) 1.04 (A) N/R 6.3 6.6 29 36 12 16 25 41* 178 71 12 0.4 27 King R at Edge of Forest, Cheshunt Sth CBU 0.95 (A) 0.97 (A) N/R 5.9 6.3 34 30 11 13 24 43 181 117 9 2.6 26 Barwidgee Ck at Myrtleford Rd CCD 1.07 (A) 0.80 (B) N/R 5.6 5.5 37 33 9 10 40 29* 126 481 29 2.9 138 Reedy Ck at Wooragee CCE 0.84 (B) 0.55 (B)2 N/R 5.6 5.82 36 132 7 52 20 37* 94 1020 33 9.4 132 Ovens R, u/s Fish Farm CCH 0.95 (A) 0.99 (A) N/R 6.4 6.4 25 34 10 16 6 37 156 80 14 0.9 37 King R at Edi Cutting CCL 0.86 (B) 0.97 (A) N/R 6.0 6.1 31 27 12 13 23 33* 131 135 11 0.9 31 Barwidgee Ck at Myrtleford CCN 0.95 (A) 0.74 (B) N/R 5.5 5.3 31 27 8 8 39 29* 103 232 19 2.6 108 Happy Valley Ck at Mudgeegonga Rd CCO 0.88 (A) N/A N/R 5.2 N/A 36 N/A 9 N/A 41 24* 108 634 92 9.6 110 Ovens R at Braithwaite Pumping Station CCP 0.93 (A) 1.04 (A) N/R 6.0 5.8 31 33 12 12 5 33 93 114 7 1.4 39 Buckland R at Mt Buffalo Rd CCQ 0.99 (A) N/A N/R 5.7 N/A 31 N/A 8 N/A 43 30* 110 247 5 1.5 34 Roberts Ck at Roberts Creek Rd CCR 0.67 (B) 0.95 (A)2 N/R 5.5 6.32 22 252 4 92 N/E N/E 113 176 25 3.8 44 Morses Ck at Hawthorne Ck CCS 0.93 (A) 0.82 (B)2 N/R 5.8 6.12 34 172 10 52 45 31* 92 117 6 1.7 46 German Ck, Nth of Germantown CCT 0.93 (A) 0.83 (A)2 N/R 6.0 6.42 37 172 13 92 N/E N/E 128 134 12 1.8 39 Ovens R at Mills View CCU 0.95 (A) 0.81 (B) N/R 6.1 5.9 37 22 12 10 6 37 149 100 12 1.0 37 Indigo Ck at Pooleys Rd CCZ 1.22 (X)2 N/A N/R 5.32 N/A 262 N/A 72 N/A 47 34* 140 800 26 5.8 375 Spring Ck at Beechworth CDB 0.80 (B) 0.68 (B) N/R 5.7 6.0 29 26 6 9 N/E N/E 101 380 28 4.4 56 Fifteen Mile Ck at Fairfield Park CDD 0.75 (B) 0.97 (A) N/R 5.7 5.8 29 36 7 13 10 30* 108 204 29 3.6 57 King R at Gentle Annie Ln CDG 0.81 (B) 0.95 (A) N/R 5.8 6.2 26 28 11 12 23 33* 148 195 17 1.1 30 Buffalo R, u/s Durling Track CDJ 0.97 (A) 0.94 (A) N/R 6.3 6.3 33 30 10 13 35 36* 191 114 13 0.9 38 Buffalo R at Camp Creek Track CDK 0.97 (A) 1.05 (A) N/R 6.7 6.6 29 41 14 19 35 36* 195 120 13 1.2 35 Buffalo R at Blades Picnic Ground CDL 1.12 (A) 1.00 (A) N/R 6.5 6.4 33 33 13 14 35 36* 178 115 14 1.0 42 Buffalo R, u/s Catherine R CDM 1.10 (A) 1.12 (A) N/R 6.6 6.7 40 42 16 18 35 36* 180 130 13 1.1 40

EPA Victoria 12 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

Buffalo R off Buffalo Rd CDN 1.06 (A) 1.06 (A) N/R 7.1 6.9 37 36 16 18 35 36* 183 145 19 1.3 47 King R at King Hut Track CDQ 0.97 (A) 1.02 (A) N/R 6.8 7.2 29 42 14 21 25 41* 188 67 14 0.9 16 King R at Pineapple Flat CDR 1.10 (A) 0.98 (A) N/R 6.6 7.1 36 38 14 19 25 41* 191 65 20 1.0 30 Dandongadale R at Cobbler's Lake Rd CDU 0.78 (B) 0.94 (A) N/R 6.5 7.0 26 35 11 17 N/E N/E 174 79 11 0.9 22 Dandongadale R at Pine Plantation Track CDV 0.93 (A) 0.92 (A) N/R 6.3 6.3 32 31 11 13 N/E N/E 173 114 13 0.8 42 Rose R at Road CDW 1.00 (A) 1.00 (A) N/R 6.2 6.5 33 36 11 15 37 36* 146 261 26 1.7 63 Rose R at Bennies CDX 0.93 (A) 1.22 (X)2 N/R 6.2 6.92 35 292 12 122 37 36* 174 108 12 0.7 26 Black Range Ck at Carboor Rd CDY 0.91 (A) 0.82 (B) N/R 5.8 6.1 31 25 11 11 29 34* 113 312 50 4.7 78 Black Range Ck at Pigram's Farm CDZ 1.13 (X) 0.97 (A) N/R 6.0 6.2 43 34 11 14 29 34* 141 179 24 4.3 87 Yarrabula Ck off Yarrabula Rd CEB 1.01 (A) 1.04 (A) N/R 6.5 6.7 30 33 13 15 N/E N/E 166 78 7 0.7 27 Cleared Hills and Coastal Plains Burgoigee Ck at Ovens Valley Hwy CAI 0.94 (A) N/A N/R 5.3 N/A 33 N/A 53 N/A 32 36* 91 1275 50 6.6 1102 Hodgsons Ck at Farmers Rd CAJ 1.11 (A) 1.01 (A) N/R 5.3 5.2 35 30 83 83 31 36* 99 328 12 3.4 309 King R at Docker CBH 0.66 (B) N/A N/R 6.1 N/A 20 N/A 83 N/A 22 37 99 220 15 2.6 37 King R at Oxley CCJ 0.90 (A) N/A N/R 5.7 N/A 27 N/A 73 N/A 21 35* 114 204 16 6.5 62 Boggy Ck at Top Plain Rd CCK 0.86 (A) 0.89 (A)2 N/R 5.3 5.92 27 202 63 92,3 27 28* 79 435 30 10.9 163 Croppers Ck at Tetley Ln CCW 1.09 (A)2 N/A N/R 5.22 N/A 222 N/A 32,3 N/A N/E N/E 113 1400 75 13.0 272 Hodgsons Ck at Kays Road bridge CCX 1.19 (X)2 0.85 (A)2 N/R 5.42 6.12 252 192 42,3 62,3 30 28* 84 510 15 6.7 234 Fifteen Mile Ck at Glenrowan - Milawa Rd CDC 0.89 (A) N/A N/R 5.4 N/A 25 N/A 53 N/A 8 35* 82 886 63 36.4 248 Ovens R at Oxley Flats CDO 0.81 (B) N/A N/R 6.2 N/A 24 N/A 73 N/A 3 25* 140 169 14 1.5 54 Ovens R near Everton CDP 0.73 (B) O/S N/R 6.2 5.8 23 26 83 103 4 27* 119 200 21 1.1 45 Ovens R at River Road Reserve CDS 1.08 (A) N/A N/R 5.8 N/A 31 N/A 93 N/A 4 27* 137 172 19 1.5 43 Murray and Western Plains Ovens R at Peechelba East CBB 0.68 (B) 0.78 (B)1,3 N/R 5.5 5.41,3 21 141,3 33 71,3 1 30 150 259 35 5.9 35 Fifteen Mile Ck at Cruse St CBR 0.90 (A) 0.61 (B)2,3 N/R 5.7 5.42,3 21 112,3 43 22,3 8 35* 125 2860 1125 13.5 930 Ovens R at Robinson Rd CBV 0.82 (B) N/A N/R 5.6 N/A 20 N/A 43 N/A 1 30 142 312 37 4.3 81 Indigo Ck at Murray Valley Hwy CBW 0.89 (A) N/A N/R 5.1 N/A 25 N/A 33 N/A 46 34* 110 1520 162 20.0 655 Black Dog Ck at Rutherglen - Springhurst Rd CCF 0.87 (A) N/A N/R 5.2 N/A 26 N/A 33 N/A 13 37* 86 1705 101 17.5 418 Black Dog Ck at Dugays Bridge Rd CCG 0.78 (B) N/A N/R 5.3 N/A 27 N/A 33 N/A N/E N/E 105 1215 96 21.5 198 Ovens R at Ovens Track CCI 0.55 (C) N/A N/R 5.2 N/A 19 N/A 33 N/A 2 27* 111 321 30 5.3 119 Reedy Ck at Carraragarmungee Estate Rd CCY 0.85 (B) 0.71 (B)3 N/R 5.4 5.73 29 193 73 73 17 35* 69 342 14 2.8 102 Fifteen Mile Ck at Ussher's Dr CDA 0.60 (B) N/A N/R 5.4 N/A 15 N/A 23 N/A 8 35* 134 1730 545 17.0 465 Ovens R at Boland Rd CDE 0.78 (B) 0.67 (B)3 N/R 5.1 5.63 21 173 43 83 2 27* 130 276 38 4.4 66 Ovens R at Cinnamonds CDF 0.78 (B) 0.58 (B)1,3 N/R 5.5 5.11,3 24 131,3 63 51,3 1 30 145 281 37 7.4 67 Ovens R at Wallis' property CDH 0.62 (B) N/A N/R 5.7 N/A 19 N/A 33 N/A 1 30 155 304 38 7.5 73 Ovens R at Talbot Bend CDI 0.82 (B) N/A N/R 5.4 N/A 21 N/A 53 N/A 1 30 151 517 59 8.0 71 Ovens R at Carmody Rd CEC 0.72 (B) N/A N/R 6.1 N/A 21 N/A 33 N/A 1 30 149 272 36 4.8 72 Ovens R at Warby Range Rd CED 0.63 (B) N/A N/R 5.1 N/A 18 N/A 53 N/A 2 27* 139 242 34 4.3 66

Key for Biological Indicators Key for ISC and RHA ratings Meets SEPP biological objective 1 single season, autumn Excellent N/E = reach not evaluated for ISC Does not meet SEPP biological objective 2 single season, spring Good * some subindices estimated O/S = outside the experience of the model 3 no SEPP objective Marginal N/R = not required when AUSRIVAS results available N/A = habitat not available Poor Very Poor

Information Bulletin 13 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

4 MAIN FACTORS INFLUENCING activities have resulted in both stream bank and ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION local catchment erosion, and a subsequent increase in nutrients and suspended sediments entering the In general, the rivers and streams in the Ovens waterways. In addition, the lack of adequate riparian catchment were found to be in good environmental vegetation has led to reductions in shading, and condition, although conditions do typically decline loss of leaf litter and woody debris which provide from the headwaters to the lowland reaches. In essential sources of food and habitat for aquatic particular, the biological integrity of many of the organisms. smaller tributaries in the catchment appears mildly The North East Catchment Management Authority to greatly impaired. (NECMA) plays a major role in riverine management In those reaches where biological condition was programs in the Ovens Basin. Current high priority degraded, two main contributing factors were programs include stream bank stabilisation; identified: habitat and water quality degradation. reducing gully erosion through stabilisation, fencing Both of these factors can have major impacts upon and revegetation, especially in the smaller sub- the ecology of a stream, and they rarely occur in catchments; protection of remnant native isolation. vegetation; and improved management practices on Low flows resulting from water extraction and agricultural land. All of these activities will drought conditions also appear to contribute to contribute to improved river health. riverine degradation, particularly in the smaller sub- catchments. Generally however, environmental Water Quality Degradation flows in the Ovens catchment are good since there Deterioration in water quality influences the health are relatively few storages and the Ovens River is and composition of aquatic communities. Elevated largely unregulated. nutrient levels can lead to excessive plant growth and subsequent lowering of dissolved oxygen Habitat Degradation concentrations. Increased salinity and high turbidity The maintenance of healthy in-stream habitat is can result in the loss of macroinvertebrate families dependent on an intact riparian zone. The quantity with low salinity and sedimentation tolerances. and quality of streamside vegetation in the middle Overall, water quality conditions in the Ovens to lower reaches of the Ovens and King rivers and catchment were good, especially in the headwater their lower tributaries, as well as Fifteen Mile, Indigo reaches. A general decline in water quality with and Black Dog creeks has been greatly reduced. increasing distance downstream was observed. This Land clearing, stock access to the stream bank, pattern is typical of many catchments because crops planted and harvested up to the river’s edge, urban settlements, agriculture and industry are invasion of exotic plant species (especially willows, often located in the lowland areas. Small sub- poplars and blackberry) and, in some cases, urban catchments within the Ovens Basin and stream development are all contributing factors. These

EPA Victoria 14 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

reaches downstream of towns appear to be most cattle access. Restriction or prevention of stock heavily impacted by water quality degradation. access to streamside zones and waterways will improve water quality and in-stream habitat Increased levels of treatment and greater reuse of condition. reclaimed water on land are helping to improve water quality near towns. The NECMA is also • Small sub-catchments are especially undertaking water quality improvement activities susceptible to impacts resulting from land use throughout the Ovens Basin. Two major priority changes because they do not have the same areas are the reduction of total phosphorus loads capacity to ‘buffer’ potential impacts as larger and a decrease in saline discharges into the catchments. This is particularly evident in the waterways of the Ovens catchment. Particular small streams of the Beechworth area and attention is being given to the development of urban tributaries in the middle and upper reaches of stormwater management plans and improved the Ovens River. Improving bank stabilisation agricultural practices throughout the catchment. and reducing erosion is of particular importance in these sub-catchments.

5 DIRECTIONS IN MANAGEMENT • Existing rehabilitation and restoration programs AND MONITORING involve a considerable investment of resources. Effectiveness of these programs needs to be This assessment relates observed environmental demonstrated through monitoring and quality to likely causes and catchment issues. While assessment programs. not the focus of this study, a number of issues were • The need for further development of some of the highlighted that are relevant to consider in current models used to assess biological condition is and future management and monitoring programs. evident from this study. Of concern are the • Degradation in water quality and habitat lower than expected AUSRIVAS scores for the contribute to poor ecological and physical otherwise apparently healthy Heritage listed condition of a number of the rivers in the Ovens section of the Ovens River. These results catchment. This is particularly evident around suggest that a refinement of the lowland models urbanised areas such as Wangaratta and (Murray and Western Plains) is needed to Myrtleford. develop a more accurate picture of the • Where stock are allowed to enter waterways the environmental condition of Murray lowlands stream channel can be damaged and turbidity rivers. increased, while animal wastes can lead to • During the sampling period the Ovens reduced water quality and the possibility of catchment was experiencing reduced flows due algal blooms as a result of nutrient enrichment. to drought conditions. It is unclear what the Many creeks, such as Fifteen Mile Creek, are immediate and long-term effects of drought particularly degraded as a result of widespread conditions are on the biological health of

Information Bulletin 15 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE OVENS CATCHMENT

aquatic ecosystems. It is well established, • Bushfires in the summer of 2003 burnt a large however, that systems which are already portion of the forests in the headwaters of the impacted will take longer to recover from a Ovens catchment. Ash and sediment laden run- drought. While a better understanding of off from burnt areas in the Buckland Valley, drought effects is clearly needed, improvements following a large rain event in February 2003, to habitat and water quality, and a reduction in led to the movement of a massive sediment slug water extractions will go a long way to help through the Ovens River and subsequent fish ensure the long-term health of rivers and kills. While the data in this report was collected streams in the Ovens catchment. For example, prior to the fires, State monitoring efforts are the Streamflows Management Plan being attempting to assess post-fire impacts on developed for the upper Ovens River will ensure aquatic habitats and track their recovery. This a better balance between water extractions and assessment provides a baseline for the environmental flow requirements throughout condition of rivers and streams prior to the fires. the catchment. Together with post-fire monitoring, it will lead to a better understanding of the impacts of fire on aquatic ecosystems and how to manage these impacts in the future.

EPA Victoria 16